Residents of Ekpri Nsukara Offot and Ikot Anyang Offot in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what they describe as a coordinated campaign of land-grabbing, intimidation, violence, and attempted assassination allegedly orchestrated by two village heads — Mr. Emem Dennis Asikpo and Mr. Enefiok Effiong Isa — in collaboration with rogue police officers.

The petitioners, under the platform Voice of Liberation Network (VLN), also called on human rights organisations, civil society groups, the media, and federal authorities to intervene, accusing senior police officers of shielding the village heads despite overwhelming evidence of abuse.

Residents Allege Systematic Land Dispossession

In their petition, the residents accused a powerful syndicate led by the two village heads of forcibly seizing lands belonging to families and legitimate property owners. They claim that police officers from the Eagle Squad in Itam work hand in hand with the syndicate — arresting victims, fabricating criminal charges, and ensuring their detention while their lands are sold to private buyers.

According to the petition, the alleged scheme follows a pattern:

1. Identify valuable land.
2. Illegally seize and sell it to third parties.
3. Use police to arrest rightful owners who resist.
4. File capital offences to detain victims and silence opposition.

SaharaReporters learned that even government property was affected. One widely cited case involved Mr. Asikpo allegedly selling land belonging to the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) to a telecom company, before the state government later reclaimed it.

Residents further allege that several police officers are currently on Mr. Asikpo’s payroll, with some even living in his houses as compensation for their complicity. They are calling for a forensic audit of his bank accounts, arguing that it would reveal financial links between the village heads and compromised police personnel.

Victims Narrate Attempted Assassinations and Intimidation

One of the petitioners, Mr. Asuquo, recounted how he survived an alleged assassination plot in early 2024. He claimed that Mrs. Happiness Isa, wife of the Ikot Anyang village head, confided in him that her husband had paid ₦2 million to hire killers — of which she allegedly received ₦400,000 — to eliminate him so they could take over his mining site.

Asuquo said he recorded her confession, which included the names of two alleged hired killers, Mr. Obot and Mr. Usen.

On May 28, 2024, the assassins allegedly attacked his home. Though he escaped, his house was burgled and ₦2.8 million, a television, and other valuables were stolen.

When he reported the matter in Uyo, he said local police were compromised, forcing him to escalate the case to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where SP Fortune Bassey of the Force Intelligence Department was assigned. Suspects were reportedly arrested and confessed — until SP Bassey received a directive from his superior to abandon the case and return the file. The investigation was subsequently stalled.

Asuquo further alleged that even while suspects were in custody, Mr. Asikpo sent another man, Michael Udo Udo (alias Udoma), to kill him. He escaped yet again. Mr. Asikpo was later arrested, but Udoma fled.

More Victims Come Forward

Following Asikpo’s arrest, other victims emerged with similar allegations:

• Mr. Enefiok Augustine claimed he survived an assassination attempt in 2013 after losing 13 plots of land to Asikpo. He was later framed with a capital offence and jailed for a year.
• Mr. Ndueso Stephen Uduk said 39 plots of his land were sold for ₦20 million, allegedly backed by police intimidation.
• Mr. Etim James Obot, who had won a court case against Asikpo in 2008, said the land was still seized and sold despite the judgment.

Many residents have reportedly been forced out of their homes and now live in fear of arrest or attack, unable to speak publicly.

VLN Formed Amid Rising Attacks

These widespread incidents motivated victims to create the Voice of Liberation Network, a group advocating for justice and protection for residents targeted by the alleged syndicate.

VLN claims that the Eagle Squad in Itam is deeply involved, accusing officers of framing residents with capital charges to keep them in prison while their land is appropriated.

Many members of the group have reportedly gone into hiding due to repeated attacks from individuals loyal to the two village heads.

Calls for Government and Anti-Graft Intervention

The residents are urging:

• The EFCC,
• The ICPC,
• The Inspector-General of Police,
• The National Security Adviser, and
• The Akwa Ibom State Governor

to take urgent action against the alleged abuse of power, land-grabbing, and violent intimidation being carried out in the communities.

They insist that justice must be served to protect the lives and property of innocent citizens who have suffered for years under what they call a “criminal land cartel” enabled by corrupt police officers.